p+0 architecture cantilevers casa narigua over the mountains of northern mexico
‘casa narigua’ by p+0 architecture, el jonuco, mexico
image © sofia flores chapa
all images courtesy of p+0 architecture
mexican practice p+0 arquitectura has recently completed the narigua house in the mountains of northern mexico. in order to avoid eliminating trees from the heavily vegetated area, the concept of the home became centered around lifting it above the ground therefore leaving the ecosystem intact. three volumes are stacked upon one another, different shapes layered in various orientations form dramatic cantilevers and subsequent terraces, viewpoints, and vertically-communicative spaces.
view from below the site
image © sofia flores chapa
the home is cast in orthogonal exposed concrete tinted with soil from the site so as to become almost a geological incident rather than a man-made feat. the ground level plinth contains the garage right off the main road, storage rooms with furniture that could become guest bedrooms, and a mechanical room that frees the rooftop for a deck with 360-degree views. the next floor contains the main entrance area for visitors, the master suite, and the staircase leading down to the lower level. on top of everything, the kitchen, dining, and living areas enjoy the company of breathtaking scenery and access to one of many outdoor terraces, decks, and nooks- especially on the west side where two jagged peaks in the nearby distance almost touch.
view above the site
image © sofia flores chapa
a delicate play between thickened walls, flat roofs, ethereal windows and heavy timber beams allow inhabitants to experience each face of every form, while the glimpses of the external scenery become a fact of everyday life. the materials also recall an important vernacular in the region, however abstracted into modernity they may be. the house becomes an interactive sculpture with planned spaces that hold as much functionality and beauty as those in between.
approaching the house
image © sofia flores chapa
cantilevered volumes stretch across the landscape
image © sofia flores chapa
the materials reflect the natural context
image © sofia flores chapa
each volume frames a different aspect of the landscape
image © sofia flores chapa
exterior stairs to the second level
image © sofia flores chapa
outdoor patio area
image © sofia flores chapa
pool on a terrace overlooking the valley
image © sofia flores chapa
incorporating native vegetation into the plan
image © sofia flores chapa
patio under the cantilevered form
image © sofia flores chapa
external stairs
image © sofia flores chapa
rooftop terrace
image © sofia flores chapa
strong rectilinear geometries differentiate the built form from the mountain landscape
image © sofia flores chapa
image © sofia flores chapa
foyer
image © sofia flores chapa
hallway and stairs
image © sofia flores chapa
image © sofia flores chapa
living area
image © sofia flores chapa
bedroom
image © sofia flores chapa
living and dining
image © sofia flores chapa
image © sofia flores chapa
kitchen
image © sofia flores chapa
bathroom
image © sofia flores chapa
image © sofia flores chapa
image © sofia flores chapa
gym
image © sofia flores chapa
image © sofia flores chapa
image © sofia flores chapa
project info:
location: el jonuco, mexico.
project: may 2011- september 2013
area: 7875 sqm
architecture: david pedroza castañeda. (p+0 architecture)
construction: paralelo. arturo barbosa, hyaell briones, beatriz chavez.
structural engineering: emilio gonzalez saucedo
construction supervision phase 1: punto 3. jesus gonzález, diego gonzalez.
collaborators interior design: adriana guisa, oswaldo salazar.
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I like the siting, volumes, textures and colors of the exterior. I would part company with some of the interior detailing but overall it is a marvelous design.
Having spent some time in MEX in the 60’s.. I am amazed at the transformation I have seen over the years. There is so much quality waiting to be unleashed in MEX compared to many Central American countries but nobody with a clue would expose themselves to the cartels. Migration from the U.S. and Canada could become a problem for Mexico with so many gringos wanting to live in this lovely country ..but not wanting to die prematurely. If Mexico does not get control, Columbia will be the next favored county. MEX could have it all.
I love this building but it would need a squad of Marines on patrol in the hills before I could relax there. Jim
I wanted to ask if anyone knows how is that material made, really would like to know and if any one knows, I mean I know it is concrete tinted with soil but if someone could explain me how to do it or a link where I can get that info…anyway I will be looking 🙂
Extremely beautiful site and building! Regarding jimCan’s comments… it would be interesting to “follow the money” on this project.
someone’s got too much money … hiring Cindy Sherman to hang around the place.
With that much, don’t wanna be rude, but ‘coulda ‘shoulda been a lot better.
The shape is expected, the materials are a bit ordinary (I say that from australia where rammed earth/straw/mud/mixed concrete constructions are not uncommon) for such an amazing site.
The eco footprint is a bit of a furphy as really it is just a large concrete slab with a huge driveway.
Whatever way you spin it, concrete is not an eco way to go. You really need to elevate on poles/columns to allow for animal corridors. .
PS Elena, concrete will set with almost anything inside it as long as the proportions are right. Buy a bag from the hardware shop and experiment … great stuff but not very eco.